Yesterday was crazy. In that latest spending bill, Congress again extended the deadline for reauthorizing the VAWA, making the deadline two weeks from now -- 12/21.
An extension is in no way the same as a re-authorization. So, what does this mean? We fight until the VAWA is fully reauthorized by Congress. Will you join the fight?
1. Organizations that rely on VAWA funding are still forced to put their programs on hold while they wait to see whether or not they can depend on that funding in the future. This also means that victims who depend on those programs are left vulnerable as well.
2. Only existing programs in the VAWA are extended through the two weeks. That means that present problems that exist in the VAWA that continue to affect survivors and victims continue with no solution in sight -- such as the Boyfriend Loophole and tribal jurisdiction for Native American communities.
3. Survivors rights continue to be treated as a bargaining chip in Congress. The fact that the VAWA even has an expiration date is inexcusable. Victims of sexual assault, violence and harassment should be treated equally under the law -- end of story. The fact that we are getting any less than this is completely unjust, yet Congress does not seem bothered to continue to use victims as pawns at the negotiating table.
We need to demand a full re-authorization of the VAWA immediately, and nothing less. This needs to be a priority for every representative. So, what should we do about it?
1. Call your reps (the more they hear from you, the more they know it is a priority their constituents care about)
How to call: (202) 224-3121
2. Contact the media
A number of stories were released yesterday falsely stating that the VAWA had lapsed this week. Understandably, there was contradiction on the Hill that resulted in the publication of these articles, but few retractments have been made which has resulted in confusion for people who deeply care about this issue, who want to stay informed and want to make sure the VAWA is renewed. Call on the following media outlets and prominent figures to retract their statements and release the proper information for their readers:
It is also important that the media continue to stay on top of this issue until it is fully reauthorized. Contact your local paper to write an op-ed. Email activists in your community to encourage them to do so! You can also write a letter to the editor. Always remember to mention your Senator and Representative, and include your personal reason for caring about seeing the VAWA fully renewed. Your voice as a constituent matters to your representative, and will make a difference.
Here are a couple ways to get started on one:
I am depending on the VAWA to be reauthorized because...
These organizations in my community rely on the VAWA because...
VAWA re-authorization should include... Native American tribal jurisdiction... stricter gun control legislation... additional resources for law enforcement... more funding for nonprofits.
3. Donate
The more extensions the VAWA is put through, the more organizations that rely on VAWA funding are going to be put at risk. It is critical that their work continue regardless of Congress's failure to act.
So, what do you say? Will you join the fight to see the VAWA fully reauthorized?